The European Economic and Social Committee (EESC) adopted an opinion on 15 July 2026 endorsing a proposed amendment to the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) regulations, deciding not to draw up a new opinion but instead referring to its earlier positions on related files. The proposal, introduced by the European Commission, aims to provide exceptional temporary support under the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development (EAFRD), allow adjustments to direct payment allocations for calendar year 2027, and introduce more flexible rules on advance payments in response to fertiliser price increases driven by the Middle East crisis.
The EESC opinion, published on 22 July 2026, was adopted at plenary session No 607 with 215 votes in favour, 1 against, and 1 abstention. The Committee chose to rely on positions already set out in two earlier opinions: the revision of the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), adopted on 19 March 2026, and the EU Strategy on fertilisers, adopted on 22 March 2023. The proposal was referred to the EESC by the Council on 15 June 2026 and by the European Parliament on 12 June 2026, with legal basis in Articles 43(2) and 304 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.
By endorsing the proposal without a new opinion, the EESC signals its agreement with the Commission's approach to address the impact of increased fertiliser prices on farmers. The amendment introduces a specific type of intervention under the EAFRD for exceptional temporary support, allowing member states to provide direct aid to farmers affected by input cost spikes. Additionally, it grants flexibility for member states to adjust direct payment allocations for 2027, and relaxes rules on advance payments to improve farmers' cash flow.
The decision to reference prior opinions rather than draft new text streamlines the legislative process, as the EESC had already addressed related issues in the CBAM revision and the fertiliser strategy. The CBAM opinion, adopted in March 2026, dealt with carbon leakage and competitiveness concerns, while the 2023 fertiliser strategy opinion focused on reducing dependency on imported fertilisers and promoting sustainable alternatives.
The legislative proposal now proceeds to the European Parliament and the Council for adoption under the ordinary legislative procedure. The EESC's endorsement, while non-binding, adds weight to the Commission's proposal and may facilitate faster agreement among co-legislators. The amendment is expected to provide timely relief to EU farmers facing higher input costs, though some stakeholders have raised concerns about the administrative burden of implementing the new measures and the potential for uneven application across member states.